When Pigs Fly: CANCELED

by James Burks

Henry is ready to do what no pig has done before. "But pigs can't fly," says his sister, Henrietta. Nothing will stop Henry from trying, until it looks as though gravity might finally get the better of him. Fortunately, Henrietta has an idea that gives both of them a lift. Henry's determination and Henrietta's imagination combine to make a positive sibling story about creative play and teamwork.

Genres: Picture Books, Fiction, Childrens, Animals, Humor, Family, Storytime

32 pages, Board Book

First published February 27, 2018

About the author

I've worked as an artist in the animation industry for companies like Disney, Warner Brothers, and Nickelodeon. Projects I've worked on include the Emperor's New Groove, Atlantis, Treasure Planet, Home on the Range, Space Jam, the Iron Giant and the television shows, Wow Wow Wubbzy, Ni-hao Kai-lan, the Dinosaur Train and most recently on Cartoon Network's PowerPuff Girls.

I also write and illustrate my own books including the Graphix graphic novel series Bird and Squirrel, and Agent 9.

Reviews

[Miss Sarah]

A brother pig is trying to fly and his sister is not sure this is a good idea. cute and easy to follow. toddler and up

[Ryan]

This was so much fun. Brother pig is determined to fly. And he tries almost everything, cardboard wings, fans, balloons, kites, etc. With no luck. And just when he is about to give up, is sister comes up with a brilliant plan. This book was simple, but fun. It would make a great storytime read.

[Taylor Meier]

When Pigs Fly written by James Burks is a really cute story that I anticipate reading in my future elementary classroom. This book shows that even if you are trying to do something impossible, there is always a way to make it work! The main character in the story is a small pig who really wants to learn to fly. The pig tries to make his own wings by using a kite and a small fan . When the little pig finally gives up, his friend decides to help him fly. The small pig and his friend work on making their own unique flying machine out of cardboard. The pigs made their own airplane and even fake clouds to make it look like they were really in the sky. This book is really good for younger children because it can show them that when you work together, making something that seems impossible is a little easier, and the reward is great! I also really love how this book uses so much creativity for helping the young pig learn to fly. I would have never thought of using a kite and a fan to make flying seem more realistic. This book is definitely one that I would choose for an interactive read aloud.

[Gmr]

You'll never utter the phrase "when pigs fly" off the cuff again after reading this little adventure!

Here we've two pigs with varying thoughts on the whole ability to fly concept. She says it's impossible, he's willing to keep trying. After several attempts failing, he's willing to throw in the towel. Heart broken and downtrodden, he hangs up his cape, but she's not so willing to let him disbelieve. There's a difference between reality and fantasy, but that doesn't mean that the two can't reach a middle ground to make this pig's dream come true!

An inspiring story for the kiddos as well as those upward in years, reminding us that where there's a will, there's a way!


*copy received for review

[Missy Matula]

I really enjoyed this picture book! I thought the themes of team-work and creativity were great examples for children to read and see. The pig and his sister worked well together to find a way to 'make pigs fly.' I thought that expression was used in a very creative and playful way throughout the book. Even though the pig became discouraged, his pig sibling helped him forge on. They found a way to make it work and was a great example to show to children to stay focused on a goal and to use your imagination!

[Bookslut]

Awfully cute; more the illustrations and the concept than the actual writing, but it all comes together beautifully. I especially love the sister's king kong type model, and her generosity in dismantling it.

[Gail]

How could I not love this book?! So many things that I love: pigs! imagination! Henrietta! and of course, James Burks!
This story seems like something I can see my kiddos doing.
I really enjoyed it, so cute!

[Steph]

Love. This. BOOK!!!

[Casandria]

Imagination and ingenuity are awesome! So is teamwork.

[Kelly]

Quick, simple, fun, great illustrations.

[Brittany]

This was a pretty cute story. It reminded me of the Elephant & Piggie book about going on a drive. Cute story, cute illustrations, and fun characters!

[Mary Lewis]

A cute book. My toddler enjoyed talking about the pictures we read the dialogue

[Jennifer]

Brother Pig wants to fly but his sister knows he can't. Despite various schemes, he's unsuccessful. When he gives up, Sister Pig steps in to save the day. The illustrations are great, the story is good.

[Nathan]

Super cute!

[Rebecca Ann]

This is an adorable story about two little pigs discovering the power of their imagination. The illustrations are very quirky and the pigs learn how to overcome frustration.

[Kelly]

Cute and motivating. Good imagination story.

[Kelsey]

Age: Toddler-Preschool
Family: Brother and sister
Emotion: Determination, doubt, support

Henry is ready to do what no pig has done before: fly! After many experiments, much to the amusement of his sister, Henry loses his gusto and admits defeat. Feeling guilty for doubting him and wanting to make her brother feel better, Henrietta steps in to find a solution that will have them flying among the clouds. A nice story of sibling camaraderie and helping someone achieve their goals.

[Athena]

This is a very cute book about imagination.

[Melissa]

I like that this one teaches perseverance and imagination.

[Felicia]

Beehive Nominee 2020

[Ashley]

Short. Cute. Shows the power of perseverance and creativity. I liked the art.

[Josie Wettig]

The book "When Pigs Fly" by James Burks was a cute book. It shares an uplifting message about believing in yourself in a way that is both humorous and relatable for young readers. The story follows a pig who dreams of flying, even though the other animals constantly remind him that pigs are not meant to fly. Instead of giving up, he continues to imagine what could be possible. The illustrations are bright and expressive, helping readers clearly see the pig’s determination and emotions. The repetition throughout the story emphasizes the doubt he faces while also building anticipation. Burks uses both humor and detailed artwork to make the message meaningful without being overly serious.
This book stands out because it promotes perseverance and confidence. I would recommend it for grades K–3. As a future teacher, I would love to use this story to encourage discussions about growth mindset, goal-setting, and believing in yourself even when others say you cannot succeed.

[Katie]

So one pig wants to fly. The other pig becomes an assistant in various plans to get pig 1 airborne. These plans usually end with a pile of pigs. At the end of the day, it is imagination that makes the dream happen.
The text is the dialogue between the two siblings, and the illustrations usually the before and after of the different attempts to achieve flight. I can see where some kids will really have to pay attention to understand what happens between one picture and the next, and the different tactics the pigs try. This is a cute story, especially with the whole "when pigs fly" thing and the siblings who work together and look out for each other theme.

[Rose Rosetree]

Using the expression "When Pigs Fly" is a colorful way to say that something is impossible.

From time to time, a picture book will show a main character's thrillingly important achievement at doing something that's supposed to be impossible.

In this book's tribute to friendship and teamwork, gee, maybe the pig can fly after all. Many people ADORE this kind of book. In their honor:

FIVE STARS

Personally, I'd prefer picture books that glorify things that people can do, things worth doing.

[Juliana Lee]

Nameless pigs (boy and girl) argue about flying. Boy pig is sure he can fly. Girl pig says he can't. Boy tries flapping arms, taping cardboard to his arms, gluing feathers on the cardboard.... nothing works. Boy goes to bed dejected. Meanwhile Girl has an idea. She builds a cardboard airplane and sets the scene with a cloudy backdrop, a fan, and a camera. Now Boy and Girl pigs can fly in their imaginations.

[Heidi-Marie]

Got this from the Picture book long list. I wasn't around when Hubby read to kids. I assume they liked it. I read to V. Very similar idea to the E&P book when Piggie wants to fly. But the ending is different in where the help comes, and how it comes about which is a great lesson for children readers. Maybe that's why it got picked for the short list. Not sure how well it will measure up to others on the list though. Cute pictures. Good lesson for siblings, too! Would be fun in a storytime, too.

[Mary Ellen]

3.5 stars. The story wasn't super original but was kind of fun. It reminded me a lot of "Today I will fly" by Mo Willems, which also features a pig who wants to fly. It ends differently, but its the same general idea.
The art bumped this story up a star though (story alone would get 2.5 stars). I love Burks' style. My kids and I have also really loved his Bird and Squirrel series. This book just didn't quite charm its way into my heart like Bird and Squirrel though.

[Danielle Robertson Robertson]

This is a super cute story about setting big goals and what to do when they SEEM out of reach. I appreciated the range of emotions these little piggies went through because it's helpful to show my toddlers what these emotions look like and how to cope with them. I also like how the piggies overcame the obstacle. Yay teamwork and imagination. Yay for creative thinking.

[Linda Heggs]

A cute book for preschoolers to lower elementary about not giving up and finding a solution. It’s got me thinking how I can use this book for the preschoolers I work with, I always like to do an activity that goes along with the story.

[Mary Lee]

Be creative and change the way you look at a problem.